Odisha recently witnessed a series of unique and heartening incidents that captured public attention, ranging from a Union Minister's unexpected sporting display to civic appreciation and a personal quest for a lost pet.
Union Education Minister Shows His Sporting Spirit
During a recent visit to the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Rourkela, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan surprised students and onlookers by switching to 'athlete mode'. After engaging in a brief conversation with the students, the minister headed straight to the badminton court.
He picked up a racket and played a quick round, demonstrating his agility. Not stopping there, he then moved to the basketball court to take a few shots. This spontaneous display showcased a different side of the minister, proving that his portfolio also involves energetic extracurricular engagement, much to the amazement of everyone present.
Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Wins Hearts Online
In a refreshing departure from typical New Year greetings, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) earned widespread praise on the internet. Instead of using flashy graphics and glittery fonts, the civic body chose to spotlight its unsung heroes.
Their social media post featured a tribute to the sanitation workers, with a caption that read, "Whose uninterrupted service has given Bhubaneswar an identity of cleanliness, Our sanitation workers are our pride. Happy New Year." This genuine gesture of recognition resonated deeply with the public, shifting the focus to those who work tirelessly to keep the city clean.
Controversy Over Odisha Civil Services Exam Advertisement
A surprising omission in an official advertisement sparked confusion and concern among aspirants. The advertisement for the Odisha Civil Services Exam was published without mentioning several top-tier services like the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS), Odisha Financial Service (OFS), and Odisha Revenue Service (ORS).
This led to bewilderment, with one civil service aspirant remarking, "That means the OAS exam or Odisha civil services exam topper cannot become an OAS officer. It is like IAS exam without IAS posts." The absence of these coveted posts from the notification raised serious questions about the exam's structure and future opportunities for candidates.
Puri Resident's Unusual Search for a Missing Parrot
In a touching and unusual appeal in Puri district, a resident took a heartfelt step to find his missing pet parrot. Deeply attached to his bird, he printed and put up posters across walls, electric poles, and marketplaces in various parts of the district.
The posters carried a clear message: a cash reward of Rs 3,000 for anyone who could find and return the parrot. This personal mission, driven by affection for his pet, sparked both curiosity and sympathy among the local community, highlighting the bond between humans and their animal companions.
These diverse stories from Odisha paint a picture of a state where public figures connect in personal ways, civic bodies show gratitude, administrative oversights cause concern, and personal stories of loss resonate with everyone.
